After being spotted by police limping down his street, the court was told Ford was 'taken aback' that his girlfriend had called in officers, but continued to lie - until being confronted with the video evidence.

Stephen Duffy, defending, said: "The whole kidnap story had been made up by Ford to get his hands on a small amount of money.

"He had no idea what the police reaction was going to be. He was stupid and it was out-of-character.

"Whilst he was out shopping he came across an old friend who had fallen on hard times and he wanted to help him out.